Sister Gloria Cain is the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Dallas. The diocese includes 70 parishes and oversees both elementary and secondary schools. The Dallas area has seven Catholic high schools (three diocesan, four private) and 37 elementary schools (parochial and private).

Q: What does the diocese seek to accomplish in the 2014 school year with its schools?

A: We hope to continue to provide a comprehensive Catholic school education to a growing number of students. In our Catholic schools, education does not just mean providing academic knowledge but also helping to form students psychologically, spiritually and morally. The Diocese of Dallas also hopes to offer scholarship assistance to even more students in the coming school year. The growing success of the Bishop Farrell Invitational golf tournament is helping us to do just that.

Q: How does the diocese plan to improve student performance in the next round of testing?

A: Test scores for students in our Catholic schools (kindergarten through eighth grade) are well above the national average, ranging between the 68th and 95th percentile. Because critical thinking and analytical skills are essential for students to achieve deep learning in all subject areas, ongoing staff development is provided to help our teachers most effectively use teaching and learning strategies in the classroom. Test data will continue to be used to plan appropriate learning opportunities in order to maximize each student’s achievement.

Q: What has been the greatest accomplishment thus far in the 2013-2014 school year for the schools in the Diocese of Dallas?

A: The fact that so many of the students who graduate from our high schools are accepted and attend some of the most prestigious universities in the country is proof that our schools are indeed offering outstanding college preparatory educations. We also have Blue Ribbon kindergarten through eighth grade schools. Staff development prepared our educators for the implementation of a new teacher evaluation program in all diocesan schools this year, and teachers are being trained to use teaching strategies that will have the greatest impact in helping students to learn and achieve.

Q: What changes and challenges did the schools in the diocese face in 2013?

A: There are many families in the Dallas area that truly desire a Catholic school education for their children, but simply cannot afford it. Our parents face paying public school taxes and must also find the funds for tuition. We have many parents who work more than one job so that their children can attend one of our schools. Our challenge is to continually strive to provide financial assistance to families that desire a Catholic education for their children.

Q: With technology becoming more prevalent in classrooms, how has the diocese helped implement new devices and methods?

A: We work to provide our students with the most relevant technology to enhance learning. It is important to ensure that our students have the skills needed to be successful in the 21st century. SMART Boards, iPads, electronic textbooks and the latest technology training all enable students to learn in dynamic and interactive environments. Our teachers are preparing students for success in a world that is driven by technology.

Q: What will be the greatest challenge facing school districts, and schools in the diocese, in the coming year?

A: The greatest challenge facing all educators today is to be able to provide students with the types of thinking and problem-solving skills that are needed to function in the global economy and society in which all of us are currently living. Therefore, we must produce critical thinkers and problem solvers who have the skills needed to adequately address the challenges of the world. We strive to always integrate the Gospel values of Jesus with our curriculum because we believe that this type of education has the possibility to transform the world.